Rubbish removed from Pelican Island

Students from Brisbane Water Secondary College have helped to remove rubbish from Pelican Island Nature Reserve in Woy Woy in the week of Monday, February 4.

Students worked alongside the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, the Community Environment Network, National Parks and Wildlife Service and local waste warrior Graham Johnston.

"With the help of the local students and after three trips to Pelican Island, we have managed to remove close to six tonnes of rubbish," said Mr Johnston.

"This is part of a marine debris project where we will remove litter from 25km of coastline in Brisbane Water over nine months.

"The students from Brisbane Water Secondary College who are involved in the challenging and sometimes back-breaking clean ups also complete data sheets that show they are collecting items such as plastic, glass and aluminium drink containers and also an alarming amount of items such as trays, plastic mesh and other debris," he said.

Pelican Island Nature Reserve is managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and provides a haven for endangered vegetation communities such as saltmarsh and habitat for the endangered Bush Stone-curlew.

National Parks and Wildlife Service has also joined forces with the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority to ensure native vegetation, such as a swamp oak forest, is protected by removing weeds like lantana and asparagus fern.

National Parks and Wildlife Service bush regeneration coordinator Ms Deb Holloman said the weed removal work would not only safeguard habitat for local wildlife, it would also help to protect the local vegetation, including one of the largest mangrove stands in Brisbane Water for the long term survival of native wildlife.

The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority catchment officer for coast and marine Ms Hayley Leczkowski said the on-ground works taking place on Pelican Island Nature Reserve were a great example of various groups working together with the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

"We have community volunteers such as Graham working with the Community Environment Network, Brisbane Water Secondary College.

"NSW Oceanwatch to collect and monitor the litter.

"National Parks and Wildlife Service, Gosford Council and local oyster growers supply the barges to transport and remove the litter.

"And the National Parks and Wildlife Service coordinates the weed removal activities," said Ms Leczkowski.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will also be conducting a Clean Up Australia activity on the island on Sunday, March 3.

Community members interested should meet at the public wharf at the northern end of North Burge Road at 9am to register.

Media Release, 8 Feb 2013

Liane Corocher, Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority